Instant Lawn
Choosing the right drought tolerant lawn
Kikuyu
A short leaf, lush green, strong, rapid growing grass. It is extremely hard wearing and drought tolerant. Requires full sun. Ideal for high traffic areas. Kikuyu is used on school ovals around Whyalla, also used at the Whyalla Foreshore.
Soil P.H. best below 9.
Santa Ana Couch
A very hardwearing couch that will tolerate less water, fine in texture and prefers full sun. Couch grows close to the ground and forms a thick mat. A fine leaf warm season grass. As used on the Adelaide oval.
Soil P.H. best below 8.5.
Sir Walter Soft Leaf Buffalo
Born and bred in Australia. It is a low maintenance lawn and is winter active so it keeps it’s green colour. It is also disease resistant and shade and drought tolerant. It also copes well with herbicide and pesticide sprays. It is softer to lie on than the traditional buffalo.
Soil P.H. best below 8.5.
No orders below 30 square metres
Ask us about our free P.H. testing service
How to install your instant lawn
Step 1. Measuring
With a tape, measure the area of your planned lawn. Include these measurements on a sketch of the lawn area, with the length, width and any unusual features. If you have a standard lawn area you can calculate your own requirements by multiplying length x width, measured in metres will provide you with square metres required. Schedule your delivery after preparatory work is completed and you are ready to install.
Step 2. Ordering and Delivery
After determining your measurements phone or visit our store to place your order. Please feel free to give our sales staff member your measurements to confirm the quantity of lawn required. Deliveries are made Wednesdays through to Fridays and you must place your order before 12.00 noon three working days before you require your delivery. (Please enquire should you require your delivery near a public holiday as delivery schedules change).
Step 3. Soil Preparation
For best results rotary hoe or dig the area to a depth of 10cm to 15cm (4-6 inch). Eliminate drainage problems by having soil slope away from foundations, etc. Have a sample of your soil examined by one of our soil experts in order to determine present condition of soil, and sand or composts that need to be dug into the soil. Any new soil should be 80% sand 20% compost. Rake and smooth the soil, removing rocks, roots and large clods. Spread Munn’s superstart organic lawn starter fertilizer over soil immediately prior to laying instant lawn. Roll the area lightly with a lawn roller 1/3 full of water. This will firm the soil surface and reveal low areas that need more soil. Keep the grade to 2cm to 3cm below walkways and driveway. Water the prepared area to settle the soil and provide a moist base for turf. Moistening to a depth of 15cm (6 inches) is recommended for most soils.
Step 4. Turf Installation
Install your lawn immediately upon arrival in Whyalla. Begin watering lawn within 30 minutes of installation. Turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive! In hot weather protect unlaid turf by placing rolls in shade, remove all shrink-wrap packaging, and cover with moist sacking and/or sprinkling. Water the soil before laying lawn and keep laid lawn and soil moist as you continue laying the remainder of the lawn. Begin installing turf along the longest straight line, such as a driveway or walkway. Butt and push edges and ends against each other tightly, without stretching. Avoid gaps or overlaps. Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-like fashion, using a sharp knife to trim corners, etc. Avoid leaving small strips at outer edges as they will not retain moisture. On slopes lay the turf across the slope. On completion of laying, give the lawn a light roll with an empty roller to remove any air pockets and bind lawn to soil.
Step 5. Watering
HINT: During the first three weeks, avoid heavy or concentrated use of your new lawn. This gives the roots an opportunity to firmly knit with the soil, and insures that the lawn will remain smooth.
Step 6. Maintenance
Your new instant lawn increases your property value significantly. With proper care, it will remain a great asset, providing beauty, a clean playing surface, and an improved environment.
Mowing: Your first mowing should take place approximately four weeks after laying, and should be a very light mowing to remove only the tops. Mow often, generally removing no more than 1/3 of the grass height at a mowing. Keep your mower blades sharp.
Fertilizer: Fertilize a second time at around six weeks with an organic/mineral fertilizer such as Munn’s Golf Course Green, then continue more regular feeding every quarter, (except couch lawn will not require any fertilizer during its dormant period in the colder months). Always remember to water your lawn, let the grass dry then fertilize and water in well so that the fertilizer dissolves down to damp roots.
Please Note: Due to the root structure of buffalo lawn, it does not hold onto a lot of soil when being transported. Buffalo lawn needs to be laid on wet soil when you roll it out, within a few weeks the roots will settle in.